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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Changes in bone mineral content in male athletes. Mechanisms of action and intervention effects
R C Klesges1, K D Ward, M L Shelton
1Department of psychology, University of Memphis, TN 38152, USA. bklesges@msuvx1.memphis.edu
Objectives:
To determine changes in bone mineral content (BMC) in male athletes, to examine the mechanisms of changes, and to evaluate the effects of intervention.
Design:
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) tests were administered over a 2-year period, and calcium loss during training was determined by analysis of sweat and urine. Calcium supplementation was administered during year 2. SETTING--A midsouth university.
Participants:
Eleven members of a college Division I-A basketball team.
Intervention:
Based on observed calcium loss, athletes received differential levels of calcium supplementation. Intervention commenced the week prior to the fall training season and continued through postseason play. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Changes in BMC.
Results:
Total body BMC decreased 3.8% from preseason to midseason of year 1 (mean decrease, 133.4 g, P = .02), increased nonsignificantly by 1.1% (mean increase, 35.3 g, P = .22) during the offseason, but decreased an additional 3.3% during summer months when practices resumed (mean decrease, 113.1 g, P = .01). Dermal calcium loss averaged 247 mg [corrected] per training session. From preseason to late summer, there was an overall decrease of 6.1% in total BMC and a 10.5% decrease in BMC of the legs. Calcium supplementation was associated with significant increases in BMC and lean body mass.
Conclusions:
Bone loss is calcium related and exercise is positively related to BMC provided that calcium intake is sufficient to offset dermal loss.
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